Last week, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki declared that his government has defeated terrorism in Iraq.

"They were intending to besiege Baghdad and control it. But, thanks to the will of the tribes, security forces, army and all Iraqis, we defeated them," al-Maliki declared, referring to recent government operations against Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias.

Violence in Iraq is said to be at its lowest level in four years, a factor that is attributed to the surge of U.S. forces into the country.

So if the surge has been so successful, can we bring U.S. troops out of Iraq and leave internal security to al-Maliki and the Iraqi military?

What this means is that the surge is a success only in the sense that flooding the zone with security has tamped down violence and --- here is the real point --- neutralized Iraq as a domestic political issue in the presidential campaign.

Underlying the "success," however, the morass of internecine religious conflicts, intrigue and power struggles is far from resolved and will undoubtedly raise its ugly head again when U.S. troops come out, if they ever do.

The 30,000 is likely a fill in for when they attack Iran. They know Iran will attack Iraq so they are getting ready. IMO
I see no election...I see an attack on Iran. My prediction for what it is worth. Or worse...they may find ways to make sure McCain is elected.
Gloomy I know...but that's what I see. I hope to be completely wrong in my gut feelings.

God Bless America and all those who defend it. The little blogger that could, Brad, and many more who are filling in for him while he gets a much deserved rest. Thank you.

Regardless what the original intent, it is high time Iraqis were given their nation back before too few are left to remember that most Shiite, Sunni or Kurd Iraqis described themselves as Iraqis above all else and religious or sectarian group members second…..

The plan was to break up Iraq into pieces, keep the pieces fighting with each other while we camp out in our military bases and either pump the oil out or keep it in the ground to keep supplies tight and prices high.